Boiler control



Dec. 21, 1954 w. J. WOOLLEY BOILER CONTROL 2 sheets-sheet 1 Filed March 8, 1949 INVENTOR. [0211122121, Jll oollcgl 094;; g Mg Dec. 21, 1954 J. WOOLLEY BOILER CONTROL -2 Sheets-Sheet Filed March 8, 1949 INVENTOR. ZUzlZlam J [Hadley BY dziys United States Patent BOILER CONTROL William J. Woolley, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Maid-0- Mist, Inc., Chicago, [1]., a corporation of Illinois Application March 8, 1949, Serial No. 80,229

3 Claims. (Cl. 137-428) This invention relates in general to valves, and more advantages have been inherent in these prior art devices,

however, such as leakage, due primarily to the necessity of employing packing of various kinds with the connections between the float and the feed control valve and from wear of the valve parts; sticking and failure to operate, due to rusting and sludge accumulation in the float chamber and the excessively long connections or conduits between the latter and the boiler, and heating of the operating parts by the water from the boiler; and misoperation resulting from valve leakage and boiler surging.

A principal object of this invention is the provision of a boiler feed control mechanism which has none of the above-enumerated disadvantages.

Another object is to provide such a boiler feed control which is of unusually small size and light weight to enable mounting thereof directly adjacent and close to the boiler in parallel with the usual water gauge glass or visual water level indicator.

A further object is tominimize float action in response to surging in the boiler and to effect rapid dissipation of heat from the boiler water in the float chamber of such a device by employing a brass float chamber having a vertically elongated hexagonal cross-section.

Another object is to provide for ample sludge-accumulation space in the float chamber, which also is accomplished by so shaping the chamber with a vertically elongated hexagonal cross-section, and to incorporate therein novel means for easily and quickly flushing or washing out the sludge accumulated.

A further important object of the instant invention is to completely eliminate the necessity of employing packing of any kind between the feed water valve housing and the float-controlled operating connections in such a device, by providing novel valve means including a non-corrosive, heat and oil-resistant, flexible diaphragm which performs the dual function of a movable valve member and of preventing leakage from the valve housing.

Another object is to insure long life and uninterrupted service of such a valve by forming the diaphragm with an annular rib surrounding and upstanding from the plane of the central portion thereof and of approximately half the thickness of the central portion, the latter normally being held by an actuating plunger against a stationary valve seat to close the valve and being displaceable to open position by a rolling action of such thin annular rib, upon retraction of the plunger, away from the stationary valve by the pressure of the water in the feed line. Such movements of the central portion of the diaphragm between closed and open positions thus are accomplished without stretching of any portion thereof.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a valve mechanism comprising a stationary, housingenclosed valve seat, a movable valve member cooperating therewith, and an operating member extending outwardly of the valve housing for moving the movable valve member into closing engagement with the valve seat,

with the movable valve member also functioning to prevent leakage from the housing and to prevent any con tact of the liquid flowing through the housing with the operating member.

Another object is to enable mounting of a boiler feed control device in the previously described manner by providing a novel mounting for *such a valve housing which permits selective turning of the feed water outlet therefrom in any desired direction.

A further object is the provision of means for filtering the feed water, before entry into the valve housing of such a device, which is readily removable at any time to effect cleaning thereof, together with a feed water inlet which also may be turned selectively in any desired direction to facilitate mounting of the device under any circumstances.

The present invention also contemplates the inclusion in such a boiler feed control of an electrical switch operable by the float to control any desired related circuit, such as that for an oil burner or mechanical stoker for the boiler, with novel operating connections from the float which insure movement of the switch to open position and maintenance of the same therein with a constant pressure throughout an operative increment of movement of the float, thus eliminating the use of springs in such connections.

Another object of the invention is to insure positive action of the valve and switch in such a device by providing a novel multiple leverage system connecting the same with the float.

A further object is to improve the sealing of the float chamber in such a device by employing a Sylphon bellows With the float-actuated operating lever, while minimizing distortion of the bellows due to float movements by establishing the pivotal mounting for such a lever at the longitudinal center of the bellows.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

In the drawings:

Figure l is an elevational view showing a boiler with a control device embodying the features of this invention mounted thereon;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken longitudinally through the boiler feed control of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, on an enlarged scale, showing the float-actuated linkage and valve and switch operating members in the position assumed when the float IS in its lowermost position;

b Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the valve diaphragm mem- S is a vertical section through the valve member of 1g.

Fig. 6 is an end elevation, with part of the casing broken away, of the float housing, as seen from the left side of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 7 is an elevational view, as seen from the left side of Fig. 2, of an end of the switch housing or box, showing the cover thereof in partially removed position.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1 of the drawings, reference numeral 11 indicates in general a boiler of any well-known construction having the usual water glass gauge or water level indicator 12 mounted thereon to which is connected the boiler feed control of the instant invention, indicated in general by reference numeral 13. The control device 13 comprises a float section, an intermediate housing, a valve housing and a switch housing or box, indicated generally, respectively, by reference numerals 14, 15, 16 and 17. The float section 14 comprises a heavy drawn brass housing or float chamber 18 made up of two parts which are secured together in any suitable manner, and one of which is provided with an opening or aperture 19 (Fig. 2) in an end wall adjacent the lower edge thereof and a similar aperture 21 in its top wall. Rigidly secured in any suitable manner to the housing 18 and surrounding each of these apertures ,19 and 21, is a threaded fitting 22 adapted to receive a union pipe connection 23 (Fig. l). The lower union 23, as shown in Fig. 1, connects the lower fitting 22 to one end of a short length of pipe 24, the other end of which is suitably connected to the lower fitting of the glass gauge 12. The upper union 23 similarly secures one end of a pipe connection 25 to the upper fitting 22, and the otherend of this pipe 25 is connected to the upper fitting of the glass gauge 12 in the same manner as the: lower pipe 24 is connected to the lower fitting thereof.

As best seen in Fig. 2, the valve housing'16 is provided with a lower, internally threaded, inlet fitting 26 and a similar upper, outlet fitting 27. These fittings.26 and 27 preferably have short lengths ofpipes connecting them, respectively, to valve fittings 28 and '29 (Fig. l), in turn connected to T-conneztions 31. The opposite side of the lower T-connection 31 is connected to the water supply pipe 32, and the upper T-connection 31 is similarly connected to one end of a pipe 33, the other end of which is connected in usual manner to the boiler 11. The re- 'maining branches of the two T-connections'31 are interconnected with each other bya'normally closed'by-pass valve 34. While. it is not essential that the instant boiler feed control 13 be so mounted on th'e'boiler 11, it is so constructed as to enable suchpreferred mounting, which results in numerous advantages which will be readily apparent to anyone skilled in the'art" and will bemore specifically enumerated hereafter;

As best seen in Figs. 2 and 6, the float housing 18 comprises a relatively small casing made up'of two separate end sections secured together many suitable manner and having a vertically elongated, octagonal cross-sectional shape. The outer one of these two sections of the housing or casing 18 is thatprovided with'the previously described threaded fittings 22, and the bottom' wall of this section also is provided with a suitable internally threaded aperture (Fig. 2) for receiving the upper end of a stationary valve member 35 which is internally bored to provide a valve seat 36 at its upper end'and internally threaded at 37 to receive the externally threaded portion of a sleeve 38. The threads 37 are double or-quickacting so that a single rotation of the sleeve-38 from its position of Fig. Z'Wlll raise the upper end thereof a sufficient distance to fully open the valve. This upper end of the sleeve 38' is enlargedto'provide a flange 39 which cooperates with the valve seat 36 in the lowermost position of the sleeve to close'thevalve. Suitable apertures 41 are provided in the sleeve- 38' adjacent this flange 39, so that openingof the .valve by such raising of the sleeve will permit drainagexfrom the float housing 18. These members 35, 38 thuscomprise'a flush-valve for the float housing 18, and both of them preferably are chromium plated to insure extralong life.

The end wall of the othersectionof the float housing 18 is provided with an aperture 42 (Fig. 2), and a closure member 43 is secured to this end wall by suitable screws 44, a gasket of any desired construction preferably being.

interposed between the end wall of'the casing and peripheral flanges provided on the closure member; The-end wall of this closure member 43 has a tappedaperture therein for receiving a flanged sleeve45. As best seen in Fig. 3, the adjacent side wallof the intermediate housing 15 is provided with a similarly located aperture through which the outer threaded end of this;sleeve-45 extends, and a lock nut 46 is mounted'on this outer end of the sleeve to clamp this wall of the'intermediateqhcusing 15, the end wall of the closuremember-43=and a suitable gasket 47 between it andthe external flange on the sleeve 45. A lever 48 is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on a pin 49 extending across the inner end of the sleeve 45 and secured thereto in any suitable manner. The inner end of this lever 48 extends through the inner, otherwise closed, end of a bronze Sylphon pivotally connected at 54 to a stud 55 secured to a reinforced, heavy copper float 56, which is preferably: nickel plated to insure long life. Since-the float-housing 18 4s connected with the ends of the water glass gauge l2-to the boiler 11, the same'water level which'obtains in-the boiler will be present in this float section 14. If a normal high level of water obtains therein, the float 56 will be maintained thereby in its uppermost position of Figs. 2 and 6. Normal lowering of the water level in the boiler will result in an identical lowering of the water level in the float section 14, with a consequent dropping of the float 56. The previously described elongated octagonal cross-sectional shape given the float housing 18 is for the dual purpose of minimizing the effect on the float of surging in the boiler and of quickly dissipating heat from the boiler water in the float section 14. In normal operation of the boiler, as the water therein is dissipated to cause a lowering of the water level and as the water level rises due to the introduction of additional feed water, such water level changes will be relatively gradual and the same level which obtains in the boiier will be present in the float section 14. During surging of the water in the boiler, however, which results in rapid changing of the water level therein the narrowed shape given the. lower portion of the-float-housing 18 will result in the water thus rapidly entering and leaving the lower aperture 19 being retarded in its effect upon the level of the water in the housing 18. In other words, due to this particular construction of the-float housing, the water level therein will not be changed as rapidly as that in the boiler during surging action in the latter. Also, rust growth, common within cast iron float chambers, which often interfers-with' the operation of the float in such chambers, is entirely eliminated herein because this float section 14-is constructed of non-ferrous metal. For the same reason, sludge from the boiler accumulating in the float section 14 is easily washed out through the flush valve 35, 38: The housing'18 is sufliciently deep, as illustrated by the lowermost position to which the float 56 may move, shown in broken lines in Figs. 2 and 6, that ample space is provided for the accumulation of sludge. The specific construction of the flush valve 35, 38'also facilitates the breaking up of any sludge accumulations in the housing 18 and the rapid flushing therefrom of such accumulations to clean out the float-section 14. Because the float chamber of the'preferred construction herein illustrated is only'3 /2" wide at its center by 5 /2" high by 6" long, the close connection of the unit to the boiler illustrated in Fig. l is-permitted, and the light weight of'the unit enables such mounting thereof on thegauge .glass connections.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 2' and 7; the switch housing or box 17 is shown as comprising a three-walled, U-shaped member 57 and a somewhat-similarly shaped cover member 58. The member 57 comprises the-bottom and end wall portions of this. switch box 17, and the lower wall thereof is stamped'to provide asuitable aperture 59 bounded on its left end (vieWing'Fig. 2) by an upwardly displaced flange 61. As best'seen in Fig. 7, the end wall portions of this member 57 have their upper corners cut otf-at 62 to conform tothe shape given" the upper transverse portion of the cover member 58, and are provided adjacent their lower ends with notches 63. The cover member-58, also preferably formed of lightweight sheet metal, is stamped to provide an inwardly directed rib 64 along eachof its side wallsadjacent the lower ends thereof. Theseribs 64functiontorcsiliently retain the covermember 58 on the member 57, when the same is pushed downward from its position of Fig. 7 to engage the top portion thereof with theupper ends of the member 57, by. engagement in' the notches 63. Also as best seen in Fig. 7, this cover member-'58 is -provided with end flanges 65 for sliding engagement with the outer surfaces ofthe end wall portions of the member'57. When assembled with .the ribs 64in engagement with the notches 63, these two members 57 'and 58 thus comprise a completely closed switch box, except for the lower aperture 59 in the member 57, but the cover 58 may be readily removed to provide access to the interior of this housing without requiring the use of'any tools. Such removal of the cover 58 may be accomplished merely by lifting upwardly thereon, the notches 63 thereby acting upon the ribs 64:to cam the lower-ends of the side walls of the cover outwardly to the position illustrated in Fig. 7, wherein the cover is shown as partially removed from the member 57.

A suitable switch-mounting bracket 66 is disposed-interiorly of this housing 17, having a pair of U-shaped leg members 67 suitably secured'to the bottom'portion of the member 57. As-shownin Fig. 2,-the lefthand one of these le'g members 67 has its transverse portion disposed under the previously describedflange 61, and this arrangement is suflicient to retain this leg member in assembled position within the housing. The bracket 66 supports a micro-switch 68 of well-known construction whrcn is provided with the usual terminal connections and an operating plunger 69. This switch 68 is so mounted on the bracket 66 that its operating plunger 69 extends downwardly therefrom. The switch 68 is normally closed to maintain current flow between leads 71 which comprise part of an electrical circuit related to the operation of the boiler 11, such as that as for an oil burner or a mechanical stoker. These leads 71 (Fig. 2) are adapted to be encased within a BX conduit 72 (Fig. 1). The right-hand end wall of the member 57 forming the switch housing 17, as viewed in Fig. 2, is provided with a suitable aperture for receiving a connector 73 for anchoring one end of this conduit 72 to the switch box. A lever 74 is pivotally mounted on the right-hand leg member 67 for operating the switch button or plunger 69 of the switch 68, the free end of this lever 74 being aligned with the aperture 59 in the member 57. The member 57 is mounted upon the top wall of the intermediate housing 15, an apertured plate 75 separating these two members and the latter being secured together in any suitable manner, as by means of bolts 76. As seen in Fig. 2, one of these bolts 76 may also be employed as the means for securing the right-hand leg member 67 to the housing member 57.

The intermediate housing which thus supports the switch box 17 is constructed in similar manner to the latter, having the bottom, top and left hand side walls thereof (viewing Figs. 2 and 3) formed as a unitary, U-shaped member generally similar in construction to the member 57. A narrow mounting bracket 77, also U- -shaped, is secured to the bottom and top walls of this member by welding, or in any other suitable manner, and this intermediate casing 15 is completed by a U- shaped closure or cover member 78 similar in construction and arrangement to the cover member 58 of the switch box 17. In other words, the leg portions of this U-shaped cover member 78 form the front and rear side walls of the intermediate casing 15 and are provided with ribs similar to the ribs 64 of cover member 58 for cooperation with notches (similar to the notches 63) in the edges of the top and bottom walls of this intermediate casing to resiliently retain the cover 78 in closed. position. The previously described aperture for receiving the flanged sleeve 45 is closed by the Sylphon bellows 51, and the top wall of the casing 15 is provided with a suitable aperture aligned with that in the spacer plate 75 and the aperture 59 in the bottom of the switch box 17.

It will be appreciated that an imperforate top plate may be substituted for the apertured spacer plate 75 to close the intermediate housing 15 in any installation in which the switch box 17 is not included in the unit 13. The cover member 78 normally straddles the bracket 77 and completely encloses the front, rear and right hand ends of the intermediate housing 15. The primary purpose of making this cover member 78 readily removable is to facilitate initial adjustment and mounting of the valve housing 16. It will be appreciated that this intermediate housing 15, secured to the closure member 43 by the flanged sleeve 45 and lock nut 46 and thus supported by the float section 14, in turn supports the switch box 17 and the valve section 16.

This latter function is accomplished, as best seen in Fig. 3, by the outwardly threaded, reduced end of a cover member 79 extending upwardly through suitable apertures provided in the bottom wall of the intermediate housing 15 and the lower leg of the bracket 77 and adjustably secured thereto by a lock nut 81. This reduced upper end of the cover member 79 has a vertically disposed bore within which is press-fitted a stainless steel sleeve 82 which guides the vertical movements of a chromium-plated plunger 83 slidably mounted therein, the lower end of this plunger being flanged to engage against the inner, top surface of the cover member 79 to limit its upward movement relative thereto, as shown in Fig. 3. The valve section 16 comprises a forged brass valve body 84 having a flange 85 at its upper end to which the cover member 79 is secured by screws 86 This body 84 includes as an integral part thereof the outlet fitting 27 previously described, which extends laterally therefrom, and a vertically disposed bore which is threaded at 87 .by an upwardly directed flange 88 tapped to receive the externally threaded, reduced lower end of a stationary valve sleeve 89. The upper end of this sleeve 89 comprises a stationary valve seat disposed in spaced relationship to the cover member 79, and the internal flange 88 and the sleeve 89, together with the outer wall of the valve body 84, define an annular chamber interconnecting the bore of the sleeve 89 and that of the outlet fitting 27.

The valve section 16 also comprises a filter housing 91 connected to the valve body 84 by a threaded nipple 92 which is screwed into the lower tapped portion 87 of the bore of the valve body (Fig. 2). This housing 91 has the previously described inlet fitting 26 secured thereto in any suitable manner and communicating with its interior. The lower end of the housing 91 is closed by means of a plate 93 secured thereto by a nut 94. A cylindrical Monel metal screen 95 is mounted interiorly of the housing 91 to filter water entering the housing through the inlet fitting 26 and passing upwardly therefrom through the valve body 84. The closure plate 93 functions to retain this filter screen 95 in place within the housing 91, and this arrangement enables ready removal of the screen for cleaning purposes by merely unscrewing the retaining nut 94.

Referring particularly to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, a movable valve member 96 in the form of a relatively thin diaphragm made of a polymerized chloroprene synthetic rubber, such as that known in the trade as neoprene, is secured adjacent the margin thereof between the flange 85 of the valve body 84 and the cover member 79. As best seen in Fig. 4, the marginal portion of this diaphragm 96 is provided with a plurality of apertures 97 to accommodate the several retaining screws 86. The valve diaphragm 96 is formed, as best seen in Fig. 5, with an annular rib portion 98 which is half as thick as the marginal portion and the central portion 99 of this diaphragm. As will be appreciated from the showing in Fig. 3, the marginal portion of this diaphragm 96 functions as a gasket to prevent leakage between the valve body 84 and its cover member 79. This diaphragm also prevents any contact of the water in the valve body 84, or flowing therethrough, with the plunger 84. The central portion 99 of this diaphragm 96 also functions as a movable valve member for cooperation with the stationary valve seat, comprising the upper end of the sleeve 89, to normally prevent flow of feed water through the valve body 84 by being held against this stationary valve seat by the plunger 83, in the manner illustrated in Fig. 2. An important aspect of this novel construction is that the removable valve seat or sleeve 89, upon which the valve diaphragm 96 closes, is made of chromium-plated brass which minimizes wear and prevents sticking of the diaphragm thereto, so as to insure long and satisfactory service. Another novel advantage of this valve construction, in addition to the dual function of the diaphragm 96 as a valve and as a packing for the plunger 83 and the cover member 79, is that when the plunger is raised towards its position of Fig. 3, the central portion 99 is moved away from the stationary valve seat by the water pressure in a rolling action, which is due to the relative thinness of the rib portion 98, as previously described. Thus, in its movements between its closed and open positions of Figs. 2 and 3, there is no stretching of the valve diaphragm 96, so that an extraordinarily long life is assured this valve member. Because diaphragm 96 is made of a material to which lime or other foreign matter normally encountered will not adhere, the valve action herein will not be hampered by the collection of such matter, as is the case with conventional types of valves.

A multiple linkage means is provided for interconnecting the valve-closing plunger 83 and the switch-opening lever 74 with the float actuated lever 48, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Pivotally connected at one end on a stud 101, which is formed as an inwardly extending part of the bracket 77 is a lever 102 which has a slot and pin connection at 103 intermediate its ends with the upper end portion of the plunger 83. The other end of this lever 102 is pivotally connected to one end of a link 104, the other end of which is pivotally connected to the lower arm of a bell-crank 105. The bell-crank 105 is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on a bracket 106 secured iaea'mei aimzofahe-bell-icranb105 is intermediately pivoted at 107 to the llOWCI end .of a .link108, and the upperend .of this .linkis pivotally connected .to thexouterendoftherfloah actuated lever 48. The .upper arm .of thebell-crank'105 is. pivotally connectedat its 'outer end to. the lower. end ofsalink 109, and the'upper end:.of'.this link is pivoted to .the intermediate portion of a; cam. lever..111. The outer or lower end of this cam leverlll; is. pivotally mounted on aJstud 112.secured to orforrning. a part .of;the:bracket 77, similarly to the stud 101. The freeendofthistlever' 111 is disposedwithin the aperture 59for.'cooperation with the free end of the switch-opening lever 74..

When the float 56 is.in its uppermost position of-Fig; 2,

the-free end of this lever 74 merely rests upon .the :upper end of the cam lever 111, and thelever 74 is spaced from theswitch button orplunger 69, .SOJthQ-t the micro-switch .68 is maintained in its.normally closed. positionzby the spring forming an inner part thereof, asis well knownin the ;art.. When thefioat 56 moves. downwardly because of a lowering ofthe; water. level .in'thezlfloat housing .186

- the ink 108, bell-crank 105.. and :link 109, to raise the lever 74'10v its position of Fig. .3, whereintheuplunger 69'has been moved upwardly to open the;micro.-switch :68. Due to. the stepped shape of this switch-closing lever.'74 and the shaping of thisouter edgeportionof .the. cam lever lll on a radius centered at the pivotal connection of .the leverllland the stud 112, continued. downward.movement of the float 56 from an intermediate, critical :.position. to its lowermost position, illustrated in broken lines in Fig; 2, will not apply any increasing force against the lever'74, but will merely maintain thelatter in itsswitchopening position of Fig.3. In other words, initiaLupward movement of the lever 111 will raise thelever 74 to close.

the switch 63, and continued upward movementofgthis tion of Fig. .2 when :the float .56:is in its uppermost position, the plunger; 83- is held in. its lowermost position thereby with its lower end maintaining the central portion 99 of the movablevalvediaphragm 96 inclosing engagement with the stationary valveseat comprising the upper end of the sleeve S9. Upon lowering of.the-float.56;-in

response to lowering of thezwater level in the .floathousing 18 and boiler 11, .the plunger 83 ispraised by thefloat lever 48 through the link 1055, bell-crank 105, link 104 and lever 102, the. plunger and linkage assuming their position of Fig. 3 when the floatfifirreaches its lowermost broken line position of 2. Suchraisingl'ofs the plunger 83 permits the water pressure in the feed line 32 to raise the central portion 99 of the-valvediaphragm 96- in a rolling action, as previously described, .to enable feed. water to flow from the. line 32 through screen 95, valve body 84, outlet fitting 27 and..pipe:33 to the :boiler.

Such. introduction of make-up water to the boiler will result in thewater level'therein being-brought back to normal, with a resulting raising of the; float 56' to its uppermost position of Fig. 2. This raising of the float. will cause a lowering of the lower end of the float lever'48 to actuate the above-described linkage to positively lower the plunger 83 to its valve-closing position of.Fig. 2. The instant mechanism insurespositive-closing action by the float 56 on the plunger 83 because in the movement of. bell-crank 105 and link 104 to their positions of Fig. 2' by lever 48 and link 108, the lower arm of the'bell-crank and the link 104 comprise a toggle arrangement, and the stationary pivot ofbell-crank ltiiand the pivots of link 104 are brought almost into a dead center relationship, so that maximum downward pressureagainst lever 102 and plunger 83 is effected.

In addition to these advantages,..it is thought that the above description of. the embodiment of the invention .herein illustrated renders the objects of the inventionn initially enumerated more clearly understandable.

water glass gage12, and the shape of this float section not" only eliminates-the normally detrimentaleffectsfthe cover member 78 of the intermediate housing 15 enables-ready access to the lock nut 81 to facilitate installation of the. unit 13 on any given boiler, regardless of .theparticular arrangement of the feed water supply pipes thereon.v lnother-words, to adapt the instant unit fordifierenttypes of installations, it is necessary only to remove this .covermember 78 and loosen the lock nut 81. As previously described,,regardless,of the'specific arrangement of thefeed water pipe and specificangular disposition .of. the connections 26 and 27 of the .valve section 16, .the filter.sereen.95'rnay bev removed forcleaning purposes merely byunscrewingthe nut.94.- The preferred connection .ofthis section toxthe :feed Zwater supply means illustrated inFig. 1 also facilitates such removal of the screen 95, since it enables cutting off the feed water supply to the valve section merely by closing thevalve 28.

The dual function of the diaphragm 6 previously describedsis greatly enhancedand an indeterminately long lifesfon. this diaphgram insured by making the same of neoprene and. chromium plating the metal parts with which it cooperates, namely, the plunger 83 and the stationaryvalveseat 89. These specific materials have been -found':to.give extremely satisfactory results over a long period of .use, where natural rubber and/or other metals haveresultedin sticking ofthe diaphragm to the metal parts and ultimate failure of thediaphragm. In this connection, it' should be noted that the guide sleeve 82 is made ofistainlesssteel toinsure smooth working of the plunger83iby preventing anypossibiiity of corrosion. Likewise,.it is' preferred that all of the pivot pins for the operating linkage between thefloat-actuated lever 48 and theswitch'opening lever 74 and the valve closing plunger 683 be madetof Monel metal to minimize wear and prevent corrosion. Thenet result of this im roved ,construction is. that proper and-positive operationis; insured, and it hasbeen found that the. instant.unit, because of its smooth operation, enables water to be fed to a higher I level than those of the prior art, thus eiiminatingthe necessityof. pumpingthewater in many installations. The nickel-plated, copper. float 56. provides ample displacement, despite its small size, to shut off the flow of feed water at valve pressuresuup to lbs. per square. inch. lnmanufacture, this float is tested under such water pressure before assembly to insureagainst leakage.

It is thoughnthat the.invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it.will be. apparent that various changes may bemade .-in the form, construction and arrangement oftheparts without departing-from .thespirit and'scope ofzthe invention or sacrificing alloffits-material advantages, the formhereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

1. In a device of the class describedhaving a float housing, a float within said housing, and 'a float-operated lever connected to said float, with said housing having an aperture adjacent the top thereof through which the outer end ofsaid lever extends; means for water-sealing said aperture and pivotally mounting said lever, comprising an extern'ally flanged sleeve disposed in said aperture and secured to said housing by a lock nut engaging the outer end thereof to clamp -the-flange thereon against the housing, and a metallic bellows enclosing the inner end of said sleeve and a portion of said lever and having its inner end secured tothe latter and its outer end secured to the flange of-said sleeve to water-seal said aperture, said lever being pivotally connected to said sleeve at the longitudinal center of said bellows to minimize distortion of the latter in response to float-actuated pivotal movements of the lever.

2. In adevice of the class described,- means for watersealingan aperture in awalland'pivotally. mountinga lever extending' throughthe aperture, comprising an externally fianged sleeve disposed in. said aperture and .se-

cured to said wall by a lock nut engaging the outer end thereof to clamp the flange thereon against the Wall, and a metallic bellows enclosing the inner end of said sleeve and a portion of said lever and having its inner end secured to the latter and its outer end secured to the flange of said sleeve to water-seal said aperture, said lever being pivotally connected to said sleeve at the longitudinal center of said bellows to minimize distortion of the latter in response to pivotal movements of the lever.

3. A device of the class described, comprising a float section including a float and a lever actuated thereby, an intermediate housing mounted on one end of said float section, a valve section depending from said intermediate housing and including water inlet and outlet connections and valve means and a filter screen interposed therebetween, operating mechanism mounted in said intermediate housing for interconnecting said valve means and said float-actuated lever, a lock nut for securing said valve section to said intermediate housing to permit selective positioning of said inlet and outlet connections without affecting actuation of said operating mechanism, a closure member for supporting said filter screen, and a single nut for removably securing said closure member to said valve section to facilitate removal of said screen for cleaning.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 155,784 Yount Oct. 6, 1874 265,542 Salisbury Oct. 3, 1882 Number Number 10 Name Date Foss Feb. 16, 1886 Bishop et al Mar. 20, 1900 Atzberger May 16, 1905 Bice June 28, 1910 Hague Nov. 26, 1912 Engelhart Apr. 18, 1916 ODowd May 9, 1916 Hill Jan. 9, 1917 Connelly Dec. 12, 1922 White Oct. 23, 1923 Hutt Apr. 12, 1927 Cox Feb. 21, 1928 Brubaker Feb. 19, 1929 Fox et al Mar. 24, 1931 Lindstrom Aug. 25, 1931 Thide Aug. 15, 1933 Carlson Nov. 7, 1933 Walker Sept. 11, 1934 Home Feb. 26, 1935 Carlson Apr. 16, 1935 Dezotell June 9, 1936 Nepo June 23, 1936 Walters et a1 Dec. 28, 1937 Loesser Nov. 22, 1938 Howell Jan. 2, 1940 Carlson Nov. 19, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Germany Mar. 11, 1925 

